AN ANCIENT MARTIAL ART (KALARI-PAYATTU)

Mattakkal was a renowned ‘Kalari-Payattu’, military training center for martial art in this region. The ‘Desavazhi’ engaged ‘Kalari Asan’ teachers, (Kurup in Malabar Region) and assistants to give strenuous training to beginners and to make necessary corrections in their steps and body movements. The training included the practice in fencing exercises and deadly locks. Learning the art of using weapons like – fanning sticks,  defter use of sword and ‘Urumi’ damascene blade, spear, and the advanced lessons in ‘Hatayogam’ were also taught here. For the Nair boys it was mandatory to acquire these skills since it was their bread and butter. For boys from the higher caste and for girls it was optional. But during war times martial art was compulsory for all Brahmin youth and children. The main criteria were to recruit them young and it was very important that they are of good health, and good physique. Mental alertness too was one of the criteria for gaining expertise in these areas. The classes used to commence early in the morning or evening.  The most promising trainees were taught the Marmas, viz, the vulnerable points in the human body. When they were well versed in the art of fighting with sword and shield, spear, club, bow and arrow and the eighteen tricks or techniques, and the customary laws, the Desavazhi or on special occasions the Raja will present him a sword and shield in a passing out ceremony and declare him a Nayar (Leader) and direct him to protect Brahmins, cows, traveler’s wealth and the fort. Nayars used to carry his sword and shield wherever they went and they were always ready for a fight. A Nayar controlled 50 to 100 soldiers and a Kaimal or Kartha commanded 3000 soldiers.

The ‘Kalari-Payattu’ declined after the 17^th century but in recent times it has staged a revival; thanks to the various Kalari Sangams, associations.

During 1970s Vijayan Chingoth, his brothers, Murali, Vibhinnan Murali Thandasseril and Unni Chingoth made an arrangement with Mani ‘Asan’ of Nettoor to conduct classes in ‘Kalari Payattu’. I recall the oil massaged handsome body of Vijayan profusely sweated after strenuous practice; his sweated body glistened in sunlight. Jacob and I were fortunate to get a basic training in that martial art unlike our veteran ancestors. In order to attain excellence it requires steady and uninterrupted practice for several years. I still remember Mani ‘Asan’s first class and one of his best advices, “It is excellent to have a giant’s strength, but it is tyrannous to have it like a giant, and use your strength only for self-defense.” 

Excerpts from

MEMOIRS

An autobiography

by

Joseph J. Thayamkeril

Lawyer, Kochi, Kerala, India.

josephjthayamkeril.blogspot.com

AYURVEDIC MASSAGE THERAPY CENTER

Massage is the manipulation of shallow and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue using various techniques. It enhances function and aids in the healing process. It decreases muscle reflex activity and inhibits motor-neuron excitability. It promotes relaxation and well-being.

Massage involves working and acting on the body with pressure – structured, unstructured, stationary, or moving – tension, motion, or vibration, done manually or with mechanical aids. Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, skin, joints, or other connective tissue, as well as lymphatic vessels, or organs of the gastrointestinal system. Massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearm, or feet.

Prabhakaran Nair Gurukkal, Son-in-law of Ammukutty teacher Kattazhath, has an Ayurvedic Massage Thererapy Center near S.P.S. Temple at Kumbalam south. His grandfather Raman Pillai Gurukkal of Neendoor was a traditional Massage Therapist and was a veteran in this field. He told me, “‘Marmam’ means vital or dangerous spots on the body. There are eleven each on each hand and leg; three on the abdomen; nineteen on the chest; fourteen on the back and thirty-seven on the neck and head region. He is popular in the locality. 

Excerpts from

MEMOIRS

An autobiography

by

Joseph J. Thayamkeril

Lawyer, Kochi, Kerala, India.

josephjthayamkeril.blogspot.com

WORSHIP OF GOD

Although the Islands of Kumbalam Village have a very small area, religious representations are many. People belonging to the Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, Dheewara, Ezhavas, Pilla, Muslims, Nairs, Konkinis, Potti Brahmins and Brahmin, Nair and Scheduled Caste converts live side by side. The Indian secularism permits them to profess, practice and propagate their faith and live according to their customs, tradition and beliefs. Nevertheless, it is significant to note that there is unity in diversity in varied race, colour, culture, religion and spirituality.  

Hinduism is supposed to be the oldest living religion in Kumbalam but you may find traces of Buddhist influence in the description of house names like a suffix, “Palli.” Pallikudam; use of Aurvedic herbal medicines and medical care for animals too denotes Buddhist influence.  Hinduism, with its age old philosophy and culture, attracted various castes and sub-castes and engulfed them into their fold. The Aryan settlers of Kumbalam do not seem to have attempted to eradicate the religious conceptions of the Dravidians. They united the religions of the two races by a process of assimilation. While infusing some of their grander conceptions into the minds of the less cultured races of the south the Brahmins admitted into their pantheon the gods of the latter like Shiva or Mahadevan and his consort Parvati. Similarly Kali and Bhairavi were also accommodated.   In the ethnic Sacred Serpent Groves they mount and venerate their multitudinous spirits dwelling in stones and animals, in trees and streams. These serpents having large hood as divinities like - Naga Rajavu, Naga Yakshi, and other serpants. Other deities include the different forms of ‘Sasthavu’; the different forms of ‘Badrakali’, the different forms of Bhagavathy; ancestor worship like -   ‘Panchekeiswara Moorthikal’; the different forms of  ‘Yakshi’; the ancestor worship like - Brahmarakshassu,; Ganapathy and  ‘Sasthavu’ (Ayyappan.)

The Islanders were unduly influenced and were coerced to welcome and accept many other religions such as Islam, Christianity, and Protestantism to these Islands. I knew that all of them have their different places of worship. There are about 27 small and big Hindu Temples and a lot of serpent groves; 7 Christian churches, grottos and chapels; a Pentecost prayer house; and 8 Mosques in the Village Panchayath area.

It is significant to note that the proclamation of entry into temples by the Kochi Raja in 1945 permitted the lower castes to enter temples owned by the higher castes. People take part actively in the festival and the other entertainment programmes held in connection with this festival. The Islanders have the capacity to tolerate and respect other religions and cultures. I am a firm believer in God Almighty, the life force and I do respect all religions. Whatever be the source of wisdom, goodness and righteousness, be it in the revered Gita of Hindus, the divine Torah of Jews, the Holy Bible of Christians, the sacred Koran of Muslims or the holy book Avesta of Parsis, it is always appreciated.

The presence of Temples, Mosques, Churches, and Convents are all distinctly felt. There exists mutual respect and non-interference in each other’s faith. However, all the Islanders join in the different celebrations unmindful of whatever caste or creed they practice. I noticed that most of the Islanders go to perceive music, drama, dance, films and other events connected with the festivals. The kind of co-operation among the Islanders on the eve of a marriage, any other mishap including death is remarkable.

The oldest temples are Kumbalam Siva temple; Kumbalam Kalathil Bhagavathy (Jaladurga) temple; Kumbalam Kochu Bhagavathy Temple; Panangad Kamoth Bhagavathy temple; Panangad Ganapathy temple; Udayathumvathil Sree Krishna Temple; Madavana Thenali Temple; Cheppanam Kotheswara Siva Temple; and Cheppanam Pattuparambil Bhagavathy Temple.

The important churches are St Mary’s Church (1859) and St. Joseph’s Church at Kumbalam (1962); St. Antony’s Church (1837) and Bharatha Rani Church (1973) at Panangad constructed by Fr. Antony Orakkadan and Our Lady’s Church (1923) at Chathamma constructed by Fr, Joseph Painumkal. It is significant to note that the former Arch-bishop of Arch-diocese Verapoly at Ernakulam, His Excellency Dr. Joseph Kelanthara (1971-86), was a native of this village.

The two main mosques are the mosques with soaring minarets situated on the south-eastern area at Kumbalam and the mosque at Panangad.

Excerpts from

MEMOIRS

An autobiography

by

Joseph J. Thayamkeril

Lawyer, Kochi, Kerala, India.

josephjthayamkeril.blogspot.com

TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE

The temples in our Islands are unique for their simplicity, purity, and age-old traditions rooted in Vedic ethos, which continue to be maintained and no changes have been made in the heritage structures. The temples have used building materials like laterite stones, bricks, wood, metal, lime.  They have preserved the age old architectural construction techniques of mastery and carpentry based on ‘Thachusastra’, the ancient indigenous architecture. Temples here also manifest the expertise of the local artisans in their wood carvings. The gabled roof was evolved at the two ends to provide attic ventilation and it helped in reducing the heat. The base model of a temple is usually square or rectangular plain shapes with a long, steep sloping roof. This was built in this manner to protect the building walls and to withstand the heavy monsoon. The roof is normally laid with tiles supported on a roof frame made of hard wood. Often the walls were also made of timber which was in abundance here.  

The inner ‘Sri-Kovil’, sanctum sanctorum, is the place where the idol of the presiding deity is installed and worshiped. It is an independent structure, detached from the other buildings with no connections to the other buildings. Even its roof stands separate and shared with none. It does not have any windows. There is only one large door opening mostly towards east. Normally the Sri-kovil is on a raised platform and has a flight of two to three steps, which are called the Sopanapadi and on sides of the Sopanapadi, two large statues known as ‘Dwarapalakas’, door guards, are craved to guard the deity. As per Kerala ritual, the ‘Thantri’, who is the main priest and the ‘Melshanti’, second priest, are allowed to enter into the Sri-kovil. The ‘Namaskara Mandapa’ is a square shaped pavilion with a raised platform. It has a set of pillars and a pyramidal roof. The Mandapams are used to conduct Vedic-Thantric rites.

The outer grounds of Temple, called ‘Chuttuambalam’. The shrine and the Mandapa building are enclosed in a rectangular structure called the ‘Nalambalam’. Functionally the rear and side hall of the Nalambalam serves for various activities related to the ritualistic worship. The front hall pierces through the entry, dividing it into two parts. These two halls; ‘Agrasalas’ which is used for feeding Brahmins, performing yagas and the ‘Koothu-ambalam’ is used for staging temple arts such as ‘Koothu’, dance, musical performances and religious recitals. In big temples, Koothu-ambalam is a separate, unique edifice outside Nalambalam.

Normally within Nalambalam, a separate complex is constructed for cooking food meant to serve the deity and for distribution among devotees as holy ‘Prasadam’. Such complexes are called ‘Thevapura’, where the holy fire is invoked.

At the entrance of Nalambalam, a square shaped raised stone altar called ‘Balithara’ can be seen. This altar is used to make ritualistic offerings to demi-gods and other spirits. Inside the Nalambalam, several small stones, called ‘Balikallukal’ can be seen, meant for same purpose. A ‘Deepastambham’ and ‘Dwajasthambham’, the lamp post and the flag mast, are added in front of the ‘Balikkal Mandapam’.

Another significant feature of the temples is the presence of annually cleaned, exquisite, usable and large ponds where elders perform water-related rituals. Water is considered as a source of positive energy. Hence a temple pond or ‘Ambala-Kulam’ will be made available within the temple complex. The temple pond is normally used only by priests as holy bath before start of rituals as well as for various sacred rituals within the temple. In few cases, a separate pond will be constructed to allow devotees to bathe before entering in temple. Some temples have Holy Well within the Nalambalam complex to get sacred water for purposes of ‘Abisekham’.  The use of elephants in temples is another attraction. There are also offerings of flowers and incense considered adequate for the purpose. In some of the temples there would be a ‘Padippura’, an entrance door with a tiled roof.

Excerpts from

MEMOIRS

An autobiography

by

Joseph J. Thayamkeril

Lawyer, Kochi, Kerala, India.

josephjthayamkeril.blogspot.com

SIVA TEMPLE AT KUMBALAM

I knew that there are two idols of Mahadevan in the ‘Sri-kovil’, sanctuary, of the Kumbalam Siva temple.  Apart from the deity placed on a main pedestal there is one more idol of Mahadevan on the southern portion of the same ‘Sri-kovil’. The devotees believe that this second idol is one that has miraculously and spontaneously appeared there.  The ‘Pujari’, priest, is the hereditary senior male Embramthiri of Andipalli Madom, gives the same reverence and offerings to both the idols. Parthasarathi Nambeesan of Karthika Madom is the ‘Kazhakakaran’, the hereditary employee who arranges the flower offerings, of the Siva temple.

An annual festival is celeberated for eight days in this temple. The ‘Astami’ day on the new moon days in the month of Kumbham (Malayalam calendar) is the ‘Kodi-yettam,’  which is the hoisting of  the temple flag for the festival.

The first day of the festival is celeberated at the instance of the Kochi ‘Devaswom’. The festive lunch is the main attraction. The following four days festival is celeberated by the ‘Kaimal’ families. It is performed in the following order, Chakkanat, Pullanat, Chala and Mondoth. Lots of women, young and old alike, take ‘Talam’ an offering to the deity lead by each ‘Kaimal’ family. The decorated paths of the procession are eye catching.  Every day after the morning puja there is, a ‘Shiveli’. This is a ritual when the deity is being taken out in procession with a caparisoned elephant accompanied by the ‘Panchavadyam’, This is a music from the five varied instruments. The ‘Chendamelam’, beating of a large drum and / or kettle-drum, artists are arranged for this around the temple premises. Special pujas connected with this festival are conducted everyday by the priests, Embramthiri of Andipalli Madom at Kumbalam. Nambuthiri of Puliyannur Mana at Eroor is the designated “Thanthri,” who is vested with the supreme authority for all religious matters i.e., “Vaidika-Thaanthrika Chatangukal” in Siva temple. On the sixth day is the ‘Valiavilakku’. On the 7^th day is the Sivaratri festival celeberation and colourful fire works at 8’o clock, time of opening of the ‘Sreekoil’ of Siva temple.

Like other entertainments light and sound of fireworks too is a crowd puller. Men and women of all age groups throng festival grounds without any discrimination of religion, caste and creed to marvel fireworks in connection with festival. Kids hooted and screamed with each crackle and whoosh. People cheered, burst into applause each time flares sizzled and exploded into bouquets of fire. Every few seconds, the backyard lit up in sudden flashes of red, green and yellow.  As the light and sound vanished the throng melted away.

On the final day around evening, in a solemn ceremony the flag is lowered and the deity is then taken for the ‘Arattu’ (holy bath) in the pond attached to Kalathil Bhagavathy temple. After that starts the famous ‘Arattu’ procession accompanied by three caparisoned elephants which terminates at Siva temple ground after the famous ‘Panchavadyam’ and ‘Chendamelam’.

A variety of cultural programmes especially temple arts like ‘Kathakali’ (Krishnan-atom, Prahlada-charitham), ‘Ottanthuallal’, ‘Thayambaka’, Classical dances like Mohiniyattom, Bharathanatyam, Kuchupudy), Thiruvathira-kali, Classical music concerts, ‘Bhajans’ were also arranged by Siva Temple Seva Samithy during these days. Thousands of people irrespective of caste and creed throng the temple for witnessing these programmes.

Excerpts from

MEMOIRS

An autobiography

by

Joseph J. Thayamkeril

Lawyer, Kochi, Kerala, India.

josephjthayamkeril.blogspot.com

HOSPITALS : THE AYURVEDIC HOSPITAL

The changes in the environment like climatic variations; pollution of air and water; stress and strain of body and mind; other hereditary problems; and modern trends in food habits like eating fast foods are the major reasons that create health problems for the people.

The Ayurvedic Hospital at Kumbalam was the only State Government institution in this Island those days. I have heard that there was a Police Station working in that building earlier. The people in the nearby islands also depended on it for their day to day health problems. I remember, ‘Ammachi’ took us there to get medicine to eradicate round worms. Dr. Sukumaran Nair prescribed a medicine, which looked like jaggery with similar taste. It was really a good medicine. I saw most of the patients collecting ‘Kashayam’, astringent juice of herbs and oil preparations as medicine. A young mother, while squeezing her baby to her breast, said in her local dialect, “Ayurvedic medicines are known to have no adverse effects on the internal organs of the body or systems; whereas the English medicines may damage the vital organs in human body like the kidney.” Another woman, as if she had bitten into something sour, retorted saying, “English medicine is a speedier remedy.” The former added, “When you don’t get any relief you have to approach the old systems of medicine.”

I do not find any special reason to give precedence to a particular system of medicine. The government should take steps to develop and improve Ayurvedic medicine and Homeopathy so that they could be at par with Allopathic medicines.

I vividly remember another occasion when a bachelor youth lamenting to the doctor, “I am suffering from ‘Tharan’, dandruff, and that I am losing my hair.” Without muttering a word, Dr. Abdulkader, the Ayurvedic physician, took out a newspaper, spread it and started to comb his own hair. He was suffering from the very same problem. How could he prescribe a medicine? However the doctor advised him to use some shampoo or the ‘Thali’, natural shampoo, would give him the relief. I have noted very few who admit their inability, mistake or helplessness, a great quality indeed!

Pankajakshy Amma Cheriaparambu-Chala and her husband, Parameswara Kaimal, donated ten cents of land to the government for a worthy cause. An Ayurvedic hospital was constructed on this land, which is opposite the Kumbalam Siva temple. A good number of the local Islanders avail of the facilities provided by this hospital. I myself and my family used to consult Dr. Rani and her assistant doctor, Dr. Tony Antony Kallampally.

Excerpts from

MEMOIRS

An autobiography

by

Joseph J. Thayamkeril

Lawyer, Kochi, Kerala, India.

josephjthayamkeril.blogspot.com

TRADITIONAL AYURVEDIC ‘VAIDYAN’

I would like to pay a tribute to our ‘Vaidyans’, traditional Ayurvedic physicians of this Island, who rendered yeoman services to our Islanders. Thayamkeri Kochumakki ‘Vaidyan’, his son, Kannappan ‘Vaidyan’ and Kadavath Kunjunni ‘Vaidyan’ need special mention. I have noticed that Kannappan ‘Vaidyan’ used to refer to a popular Ayurvedic book, “Ashtangahrridaya” written by Vaghabhata, a Bhudhist scholar. It was the Budhist monks who introduced this ancient method of using barks, leaves, flowers, tubers and roots of varied flora and other elements for the treatment of human beings and other animals suffering from diseases. Sree Narayana Guru, a great social reformer of Kerala was attracted to the various Budhist doctrines and teachings. He advised the Ezhava community, which was one of the lowest classes in the caste ridden society, to study and practice Ayurveda. He was a visionary and he believed that the medical profession would give the ‘Vaidyan’ a better social status and acceptability among the higher castes.  His assessment proved right.

These physicians accepted the Budhist lessons of rendering help to the needy. They never expected any reward for the services rendered. They accepted the minimum cost of the medicines supplied, and that too with great reluctance. I too don’t approve of the western theory of reserving knowledge to make economic gains. I staunchly believe that all the benefits that accrued on every new invention and discovery should go to all the beings in this world without any discrimination whatsoever. I strongly believe in selfless service. 

Excerpts from

MEMOIRS

An autobiography

by

Joseph J. Thayamkeril

Lawyer, Kochi, Kerala, India.

josephjthayamkeril.blogspot.com

THE HOMEO DOCTOR

Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843), a German physician, is best known for creating a system of alternative medicine called homeopathy. I was aware that small pox and chicken pox were dealt with by using Homeo medicines. Dr. Varkey Kusumalayam (Pazhayakadavil-Karithanam, Vaikom) was a popular Homeo Doctor who was a specialist for this. He immigrated from Vaikom and settled in Kumbalam for his practice. He was our family doctor when we were infants. He had a special knack with children. His wife Kochuthressia was a teacher in the local Primary School. Their eldest son, Dr. Assissi is also a homeo doctor who is in the Government service. He used to be Jacob’s classmate. Dr. Karunakara Pillai, Ananda Bhavan, Kumbalam South and Dr. K.V. Antony Kozhivally who stays at Madavana junction are the other noted homeo doctors.

         

For our recurrent problem   of roundworms, a Nematode, in our stomachs, one day the doctor prescribed four small round dextrose homeo tablets, which he mixed with Cina and Sulphur separately. He advised us to have it in the morning and at night. This would reduce the size and kill them all. As we loved the fragrance of Cina and Sulphur we used to have it as per his directions without fail. 

Excerpts from

MEMOIRS

An autobiography

by

Joseph J. Thayamkeril

Lawyer, Kochi, Kerala, India.

josephjthayamkeril.blogspot.com

ALLOPATHIC HOSPITALS AND CONTROL PRICE OF MEDICINES

When it was a serious health problem the patients were taken in canoes to the District Hospital at Ernakulam where one would get English medicines, drugs. ‘Appachan’ told me that he used to take his mother to Kunjalus Hospital for treatment as their service was good. I know Dr. Rafiq Mohammed personally. He is a dedicated doctor and also one of the partners of that hospital. Lissie hospital and Lourde hospital are two other hospitals in the city, which are affordable to the poorer sections of the society. Padmashri Dr. Jose Chacko Periappuram is a popular Cardio-thoracic Surgeon and head of department in the Lissie hospital. He is the son of Prof. Chacko Periappuram, former principal of St. Thomas College, Palai.  The Medical Trust Hospital, a super specialist hospital, at Pallimukku founded by Dr. Varghese Pulikkan rivals most of the others. They have good doctors, the latest medical equipments and operation theatres. They also strive to maintain a high standard in   nursing, care and all other services. Their prime location in town is another major attraction. The Managing Director, Shri. P.V. Antony, Pulikkan is also personally known to me. He is very involved in all the activities of this hospital. It is his personal interest in its management that has attributed to the popularity of the Medical Trust Hospital. Dr. Hari (Consultant Physician) and Dr. Jayaprakash (Endocrinologist) are the two devoted doctors personally known to me. I used to consult Dr. Jayaprakash at regular intervals for my hormonal imbalance in my system. Dr. Tony Mampilly, a veteran Pediatrician  of PVS Hospital  at Kaloor is very considerate to deprived patients. I consult Dr. Paul Mathew, a veteran Opthalmologist, Hospital Road at Ernakulam.

I am really perturbed by the recent escalation in the prices of Allopathic medicines. This is specially observed in the life-saving drugs that are imported; the medical lobby is looting the public. The medical drug authorities concerned should keep a strict vigil on them and should be penalized heavily. We are proud to know that our scientists are successful in sending economical missions like “Chandrayan” and “Mangalyan.” It is much more significant to achieve self-sufficiency in matters of nutritious food, clothes, shelter and medical drugs for our people. We have brilliant and dedicated scientists and doctors; the government should provide funds liberally and encourage them to invent and manufacture the required medicines at affordable prices to the common man. It is not advisable to import medicines from abroad and get exploited in the bargain. I am of the opinion that it is the duty of the government to maintain not only the quality and quantity of a product but also to control the price of medicines and all other goods sold in market. In any event, the MRP (Maximum Retail Price) shall not exceed double the cost price of a product and would ensure that businessmen shall not loot the public.

The hospital expenses are also becoming prohibitive. The government also owes a duty to control and maintain fair fees and charges imposed or collected for all services rendered to the public. The government ought to have provided medi-claim insurance policy cover to all its citizens especially the poorer sections of the society. Otherwise, the patient’s family would fall into a debt trap. The insurance companies shall not be allowed to deny the medi-claims on any grounds whatsoever.

An individual’s right to obtain a decent living includes a right to get proper medical attention and health care too at affordable price.

Excerpts from

MEMOIRS

An autobiography

by

Joseph J. Thayamkeril

Lawyer, Kochi, Kerala, India.

josephjthayamkeril.blogspot.com

DR. PETER JOHN

During 1970s and 1980s the brain drain from India to the South-east, the Gulf countries and the West was a big threat to our nation. The emigration of educated youths especially the professionals, who studied at the expense of the State, was a tremendous loss to the Indian economy. The scenario is now changing; those professionals who went abroad have started retuning for good with their vast knowledge and experience, and now the nation is enjoying advantage of their wealth and exposure.

The tremendous contributions made by Dr. Peter John Kodiyil at Palarivattom, Kochi- 682 024, in the field of setting up / hospital administration in Kerala is worth mentioning. He was formerly a senior physician and director of ARAMCO Medical Services at Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. After years of dedicated service there he returned to India for good and settled at Cochin. Here he focused his attention on the upgrading and development of hospitals. He imparted his wealth of knowledge and valuable experiences in the medical field for the benefit of his own native land. He was the chief adviser / consultant for Amritha hospital at Edappally, PVS hospital at Kaloor and Lakeshore hospital at Nettoor, Kochi.  He proved that the new generation hospitals with better infrastructure, facilities and standards, the latest medical equipments, theaters, qualified doctors and nurses, and better medical health and care are viable in the Indian economy too. He transformed the entire functioning in the hospital industry for the better; the existing hospitals in Kerala too adopted his new standards and the entire industry experienced a remarkable change. Now, not only Keralites but also a lot of foreign nationals have started coming to our hospitals for medical health and care. This has helped fill the government’s coffers with foreign exchange. The government owned medical college hospitals and health care units should also adopt such positive moves for the benefit of the common man. Dr. Peter John is one of the Directors of the Lakeshore Research Foundation and a trustee of the Lakeshore Charitable Trust. He was also the Charter President of Rotary International Dist. 3200. Dr. Peter John Kodiyil is known to me personally. He is one of the sons of Mayyanad John, a well known professor in St. Berckmen’s College at Changanassery. It is significant to recognize Dr. Peter John’s esteemed services to the nation.

Excerpts from

MEMOIRS

An autobiography

by

Joseph J. Thayamkeril

Lawyer, Kochi, Kerala, India.

josephjthayamkeril.blogspot.com